The High Court of Madras has wondered what would happen (to the law and order scenario) if policemen across the State decided to strike work for just an hour.

Amid increasing instances of cops committing suicide due to extreme work-related stress and quitting their jobs, advocate Puruchothaman had moved the High Court of Madras to take up suo moto the various stress-related issues faced by the cops.

Taking up the petition, Justice Kirupakaran wondered what would happen (to the law and order scenario) if cops across the State struck work for just an hour. “Cops, who are invariably put on duty all the 24 hours, are not given sufficient break or holidays to spend quality time with their families during festivals and domestic functions. The Court wants to know whether it is true that 19,000 posts haven`t been filled up?

“This would obviously put stress/pressure on those working with overload of work. This forces them to quit the job or commit suicide. What about the 2012 gazette order about setting up a separate Commission for policemen? Why has it not yet been implemented till now?” the Judge asked and directed the State to file a reply by 19th March.